Police have seized a dog believed responsible for killing another dog in a brutal attack which sparked an outcry after a photograph emerged showing the larger animal's bloodied owner struggling to control it.

Cheshire police moved on Monday to reassure members of the public in Warrington following the attack on Saturday, in which a pet Pomeranian named Elvis was said by its owner to have been decapitated by what is believed to have been a Staffordshire bull terrier.

The dog was seized late on Sunday night by police who said in a statement that it would be examined to identify the breed. The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Saturday when the larger dog attacked Elvis in the garden of its owner's mother-in-law's house.

Gemma Antell, who owned Elvis, welcomed the news that the other dog had been located and said that it could present a danger to children. Antell said that her family were dog lovers and did not want the incident becoming an excuse for "a dog witch-hunt".

Chief Inspector Darren Hebden of Cheshire police said: "This was a horrendous attack and was clearly very distressing for the owners to witness. I am aware of pictures that have been circulated on social media which will undoubtedly cause concern for the community but can I reassure people that we have now seized the offending dog so there is no risk to the general public. We will be speaking to the owners in due course and will do all we can to deal with the incident appropriately within the guidelines of the law."

The force added that extra patrols will be in the area to talk to concerned residents.